What do they have that we don't to allow them to do this?
2006-10-28 05:44:07 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I know they purr when they are happy,hurt,want attention.But how do they purr?
2006-10-28 05:49:05 · update #1
After centuries of mystery it was established a few decades ago that purring is a vocalization like any other, the result of air being passed over the vocal cords.
Purring usually signifies contentment and happiness, but it can also be used to attract attention, or to signify pain or fear or illness. One behaviorist wrote that cats purr whenever they feel something profoundly.
Momcats purr to help their kittens know where they are when the kittens haven't opened their eyes yet, and both momcats and kittens purr during nursing.
Purring is a volitional action, meaning they do it intentionally, but they probably also do it without thinking about it, the way humans sometimes hum without thinking about it or even realizing that they're doing it.
2006-10-28 07:51:44 · answer #1 · answered by Mick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two membranes in their larynx that vibrate together when air passes over them. Cats usually will purr when the are content or happy, but they will also purr if they are hurt, as it is soothing to them. I've never seen, or heard rather, a pissed off cat purr.
2006-10-28 15:33:43 · answer #2 · answered by Chris J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is actually a muscle reflex vets and experts say, and it doesn't neccessarily happen when they are happy. I disagree with that. I have four cats and when they are pissed off they do not purr! Only when totally happy and content.
2006-10-28 12:50:45 · answer #3 · answered by TennesseeGirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They purr when they are happy. It is a cat thing. The human equivalent is cuddling.
2006-10-28 12:46:31 · answer #4 · answered by stick man 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HOW cats purr is still a mystery.
2006-10-28 12:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of what Ive heard & read says it means the cat is happy & contented.
2006-10-28 13:05:52 · answer #6 · answered by chris s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very good question, i never really thought about it before. So anyway here is some information about the subject.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/catspurr.html
http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?chanID=sa005&articleID=0005CB0D-82FC-1E31-82FC809EC5880000
2006-10-28 12:49:31 · answer #7 · answered by Sandy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sign of sleepiness, I think, but no facts OR theories are proven.
2006-10-28 15:19:56 · answer #8 · answered by Mike Anundson :) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a cat that i have seen pur and growl while eattin her friskies. she was mad cause of another cat too close to her but happy to be fed and close to me. we were camping and she hated our other cat
2006-10-28 12:55:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A teeny little gas engine in their little throats.
2006-10-28 12:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by emmadropit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋